Anas rubripes

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : American black duck
French : Canard noir

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 61 cm for a weight of 1.7 kg. No sexual dimorphism. Very dark species with uniform dark brown plumage except on head where coloration is grey-brown. Bill is dull yellow. Bright red legs.

Range and habitat
Breeds in most of eastern Canada and north-easter USA. Winters in most of the eastern half of USA. Lives in wetlands with lots of vegetation and irregular shorelines. Also brackish waters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is still common but in permanent decline because of habitat destruction, hunting, disturbances and hybridization with introduced Mallards.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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